Nuno: Manchester City draw made Wolves believe

Boss Nuno Espirito Santo realised Wolves could compete with the Premier League’s heavyweights after their first meeting with Manchester City this season.

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Nuno Espirito Santo (AMA)

Nuno’s side are heading to the Etihad Stadium on Monday, after the 1-1 draw with Pep Guardiola’s charges at Molineux in August.

And Nuno thinks taking a point from one of the greatest coaches of all-time, and one of the best teams in the world, sparked later victories over Chelsea and Tottenham – and draws with Manchester United and Arsenal.

“I remember, and that was a very important moment in terms of the performance we achieved,” he said.

“It made us realise we were ready to compete in the Premier League.

“I think that was the first moment we really put our standards high and tried to maintain them for the next challenges.

“The result and the performance was helpful for the beginning of the season, no doubt about it.

“It’s about how you want to develop, and how you want to grow.

“We are growing. We are changing, trying to adapt through the competition, to achieve and find solutions.

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“I think we’ve been doing well – we had bad moments, we had a good run.

“We want to find that consistency, so we don’t have ups and downs throughout the season.

“For us, that wants to grow and build, we must not change our way.”

When asked how much he admires Guardiola, Nuno said: “A lot. Fantastic. He’s achieved so many things, and his idea of the game is amazing, really admirable.

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“Each manager has their own ideas but, no doubt about it, we respect each other very much.”

And on if he is one of the best managers of all time, Nuno added: “Yes, no doubt about it.

“When someone brings something new to the game... I think Pep is in that small circle of people.”